Man gets 25-year sentence for killing Richmond woman

A 26-year-old western Missouri man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing a Ray County woman last year.

Brandon Simpson of Richmond was sentenced Tuesday in Ray County, even though his case had been moved to Carroll County on a change of venue.

He initially was charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of 40-year-old Michelle Rheuport, who was found dead in her Richmond home May 23, 2012. That was reduced to second-degree murder in exchange for his guilty plea.

Two others who were charged in connection with the crime pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and stealing and have been sentenced.

Rheuport's death was the first homicide in Richmond since 1996.

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